Sacrifice

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Back when I was a student, I took part in a protest against an international conflict simply by offering a few leaflets to local passers-by. This was a small sacrifice of time out of my day, but that was all. Today, I see many young students making great effort to protest at their universities and colleges. I’ve heard some university faculty say “They’re being naïve”, commenting they should know better. Some people may be concerned to witness lots of tents and placards, some may understand the complexity of what the students are asking for, and some may be disturbed that classes will be missed.  

Students know they may get arrested, they may be sacrificing their opportunities for future careers, that their actions could have lifelong consequences.

I’ll soon be celebrating the Festival of Sacrifice, the second Eid or festival of the Muslim calendar. It is the festival which comes at the end of the pilgrimage of Hajj; a festival where I, alongside millions of other Muslims, recall the story of Abraham. I believe God asked him to sacrifice his beloved son – talk about a tough parenting moment. Abraham was ready to do that and to face the lifelong consequences.  

I think despite Abraham’s deep love of his son, he would have felt compelled to stay true to his values, to affirm his faith, no matter the personal sacrifice. I can only imagine his relief when a ram showed up instead.

Coming back to the students of today, it looks to me like they too are feeling compelled to stay true to their values, to ask for what they are convinced must be a better world, no matter the personal sacrifice.

I see each sacrifice as less about what is given up and more about the reasons behind it. Not so much about the visible physical effort as it is about devotion, integrity, and standing up for a belief. I see it as a testament to human willingness to strive for what we believe is a just cause, one greater than ourselves.

So as I reflect on my small-scale sacrifices of time for leaflets, and donations for those in need on Eid, I am in awe of what people are willing to sacrifice for what they believe.

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